Shiraz University of Medical SciencesMiddle East Journal of Cancer2008-67093Issue 2-320120701Post-traumatic Growth in Breast Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study354441858ENRahele FallahCancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranFatemeh KeshmirCancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranFarah Lotfi KashaniCancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranEznollah AzargashbCancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMohammad Esmaeel AkbariCancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranJournal Article20130929Background: Studies about cancer-related trauma have shown that psychological reactions to the disease are not exclusively negative but most patients also report positive experiences. These positive perceptions are also called post-traumatic growth and benefit patients psychologically, spiritually, and physically. Therefore, we have conducted a study about how women with breast cancer perceive post- traumatic growth and the recognition of its dimensions in Iran.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted by using Interpretative Phe- nomenological Analysis. A total of 23 women with breast cancer who met the inclusion criteria were selected after which patients completed a researcher-generated open-ended questionnaire. Data were analyzed according to the guidelines for the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Smith method.Results: Participants’ perceptions in this study about post-traumatic growth included three themes: spiritual growth, appreciation of life, and increased personal strengths.Conclusion: Themes found in this study conformed to dimensions according to the Tedeschi and Calhoun theory of post-traumatic growth. However, relations with others were not found in the present study. We propose that interventions should be designed and implemented in order to facilitate and enhance post-traumatic growth.http://mejc.sums.ac.ir/article_41858_81a25e3a60d3af37f0c2d7a8bd94d5c2.pdf